sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of an economically important genus (Sorghum) of Old World tropical grasses similar to corn in habit but with the spikelets in pairs on a hairy rachis

especially : any of various cultivars (such as grain sorghum or sorgo) derived from a wild form (S. bicolor synonym S. vulgare)

2

: syrup from the juice of a sorgo that resembles cane syrup

Illustration of sorghum

• sorghum 1

Examples of sorghum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Is There Lead in Puffs? Consumer Reports tested six children’s snacks made using cassava or sorghum flours. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 11 June 2024

Another way to eat sorghum is to pop it like popcorn for a snack. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 June 2024

Offerings change daily but always feature the star ingredients of local cooking: Rich ghee and sweet jowar (sorghum), nutty bajra (pearl millet), and earthy lentils, all rendered in mouth-watering dals and curries. —Marianna Cerini, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2023

The 2011 sorghum crop, one of the principal stable grains, dropped 50 percent below the previous year's, which will fuel even more food price increases—and hunger. —Andrew Natsios, Foreign Affairs, 1 Feb. 2012

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Italian sorgo, from Vulgar Latin *Syricum (granum), literally, Syrian grain

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sorghum

• grain sorghum
• sweet sorghum

Kids Definition

sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of a genus of Old World tropical grasses that look like corn

especially : one cultivated for grain, forage, or syrup

2

: syrup made from a sorghum